Maroš Ferenčík
The current gold standard in the evaluation of patients with suspected coronary artery disease is the invasive X-ray coronary angiography. Invasive coronary angiography permits reliable detection of significant coronary stenoses. However, the exam is expensive and carries a potential risk of complications. Non-invasive computed tomography (CT) coronary angiography constitutes an attractive alternative approach in the diagnostic work-up of coronary artery disease patients. Over the past 5 years, CT technology has evolved to a degree that allows scanning of the heart with high spatial and temporal resolution. Multiple clinical investigations showed that CT permits reliable coronary artery imaging, detection of coronary stenoses, and potentialy evaluation of coronary atherosclerotic plaques. Non-invasive CT coronary angiography may represent a diagnostic tool for selected patients with suspected coronary artery disease.